TfS Supplier Assessment
In 2020, the WACKER Group had a procurement volume of €2,847 million (2019: €3,414 million). We identify our 600 most important global suppliers with the designation “Key Suppliers.” Our aim is for all our key suppliers to have their sustainability performance rated under the TfS program.
Suppliers are rated by two methods:
- Assessments based on a questionnaire issued by EcoVadis, an independent third-party service provider. We expect all our key suppliers to score at least 45 out of a possible 100 points in assessments.
- Audits carried out by a TfS-approved auditing company. We conduct audits in risk regions and risk sectors which are of particular relevance to WACKER, and at selected suppliers.
Assessments: The online questionnaires are based on the principles of the UN’s Global Compact and the Responsible Care® initiative. They are adapted to the size, country of origin and sector of the supplier in question. The assessments examine criteria relating to the environment, social responsibility, ethics and the supply chain. EcoVadis specialists analyze the information provided by the suppliers, add their own research findings and summarize the results in the form of a scorecard – which can be used to develop a corrective action plan.
Audits: External auditors visit individual supplier sites and carry out on-site inspections. To ensure that auditors have the necessary qualifications, they must complete a TfS qualification training course and pass a corresponding test. As a key part of the audits, employees are asked questions to determine whether the information provided by management is implemented in the workforce. The audits cover 33 criteria relating to management, the environment, health & safety, labor law, human rights, and governance. The auditors summarize their insights in the form of a report that can be used to develop a corrective action plan. Assessments and audits are both valid for three years, after which period re-assessments are performed and, if needed, re-audits are held.